This semester I am considering the application of a digital component for the History of Cleveland Course that is taught as part of the Mandel Humanities Scholars Academy within Cuyahoga Community College.  “The Mandel Scholars Academy curriculum nurtures the region’s future leaders through integrated learning that combines classes, seminars, lectures and events focused on civic and community engagement. You will work collaboratively with community organizations and leaders through guided coursework in the humanities — with a special focus on leadership — while learning about the community, our region and its vibrant history.”

Currently Professor David Bernatowicz teaches this course and this semester is introducing the Clio Application 

Another possible project is transforming  physical tours of the city which are currently part of the course into virtual experiences.

We could also utilize or collaborate with the Cleveland Historical application which has been developed by Cleveland State University and also provides access to GIS history.

The direction this product will take, will be determined by consideration and discussion of the following questions and their place within the course itself:

1. What is the impact of physical space in history? (what is the connection between time & distance?)
2. How does the conception of time & distance change over time?
3. What are the factors causing changes in transportation, speed of communication, rie in population, etc.?
4. How does longevity impact space and power? (What is the significance of where people live?)
5. How did Cleveland grow and what are the factors in its expansion?
6. How have changes in laws impacted the quality of life in Cleveland?
7. What is the impact of ethnic and cultural ties and how has that changed?
8. What has been the role of individuals in the City of Cleveland? How have the leaders changed and how have these changes impacted urban lifestyles?

It is difficult to imagine a city different from what is seen and experienced every day.  Many of the students who attend Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) have never been outside of the city or state.  To imagine the historical context of Cleveland, OH as “The West” or “Wilderness” takes a great deal of historical imagination.  Cleveland as a mid-western city, never had the national history ingrained in its urban identity the same way as other large historical cities (NY, Philadelphia, Boston, etc.).  Although the founding was made shortly after the Constitution was signed, Cleveland experienced its major growth following the Civil War  due to the confluence of water and railroad transportation and the emerging industries of oil and steel manufacturing.  Cleveland at its peak was the fourth largest city in America and for a while the center of national politics.  However, forces such as the decline of the steel industry, the failure of unions, shifting modes of transportation (which made Cleveland a fly over rather than ship through hub) have created the national characterization of “the mistake on the lake”.  The majority of Cleveland students cannot even see remnants of this past.  It’s heros in the latter years, as early as Rockefeller as recent as LeBron James, have made Cleveland a city one is ‘from’.   Often these forces are hidden or come from distant events.  Connecting to their past will strengthen these students understanding of their own identity and empower them to more fully direct their futures.